UrbanMommies had the pleasure of taking part in one of the smartest, inspired fashion events of the season.  Coquitlam Centre set up an area divided into four sections.  Stylist Catherine Dunwoody pulled coats for each of the mall’s stores and categorized them.  After filling out a quick questionnaire we were directed to a section of coats that fit our style personality: Uptown Girl, Jane Bond, Urban Casual and Provocateur.  Despite being pegged as an uptown girl (are you shocked?!) I wandered the racks and found no less than 5 coats I needed.  Catherine Dunwoody pulled bags, hats and glasses in order to style us, and as we are sharing her tips below on how to rock your winter coat.  Not only did the exercise help me discover new styles, but stores that I haven’t visited in years blew me away with fabrics, designs and reasonable price points.  Well played, Coquitlam Centre.

4 Tips & Trends to Help you “Rock That Coat” 

– By Catherine Dunwoody, Style Expert at Coquitlam Centre

Uptown Girl

She rocks the trench coat, inspired by British labels like Burberry – where classics are considered ultra-chic – not ultra-conservative.

  • Trend towards the traditional – a khaki or navy trench in a cotton poplin must have all the correct bells and whistles. The buckled belt – cinched at the waist in a tight knot (style note: never actually use the buckle, always tie it, leaving buckle hanging), plus epaulets on the shoulders, contrasting tortoise buttons, and storm flaps.
  • London-chic accessories are the way to go here. A gorgeous, quality, croco handbag, a classic felt beret, a soft plaid or dotted scarf, pearls, blouses, and tartan trousers. Cuppa tea? Of course, darling.
  • Jacob and Hudson’s Bay carry this well-heeled, lady-like look.

Urban Casual

She’s more of a short-jacket over long-coat, kinda girl.

  • Motocross and motorcycle jackets are the hot trend in casual jackets. The stylish girl rocks that same jacket with Saturday’s jeans, and her at-work pencil skirt. Pleather, or faux-leather is the fabric of choice here. Inexpensive, low-maintenance, and perfect for our rainy westcoast climate. Colours this fall include putty, greige, plum, claret, and navy blue.
  • Accessories can re-work this jacket in a heartbeat. Make it eclectic by mixing up soft, sheer floral scarves, and feminine jewelry with punk studded bags, belts, and boots. Or keep it classic with a structured handbag, comfy flats, skinny pants with stretch for running all those errands, and a print scarf.
  • Find this look at Suzy Shier, Cleo, Reitmans, and Alia N Tan Jay

Provocateur

What IS she wearing under that trench coat?

  • Wear the classic trench coat unbuttoned ‘just’ enough to be, you guessed it, provocative. Military-inspired details make it down to business, but your ownstyling makes it sexy. Choose a coat in a classic trench poplin or canvas, but also look for a soft wool for chillier weather. Details like brass buttons and leather sleeves add interest – and give it a bit of edge.
  • Accessorize with a fedora pulled low, oversized spy-shades, a clutch and sky-high pumps.
  • Ricki’s, H&M and Mantique have the Provocateur-look, in spades.

Jane Bond

She’s the modern-day Bond-girl. Rocking a super-sleek coat and ready to hop on her motorbike to chase down bad-guys, you don’t want to mess with Jane.

  • Not the trench this time – but a functional coat a girl can really move in, with lots of edgy details. Tough, citified, often in black, with unexpected asymmetric zippers, silver or brass snaps, and patches of leather. Micro-fibre with some stretch is the ideal fabric, as is melton wool or leather. ¾ length works well in these coats, especially paired with skinny jeans or sleek stretch python print pants. Cue the slow-mo of helmet removal, headshake, and walking away from that massive explosion.
  • Trends in accessories with this look follow suit, with the tough-girl vibe. Nothing fussy or femme – just functional. Think crossover handbags for hands-free movement. Low boots with studs and high heels.
  • Jane Bond looks can be found at Le Chateau, RW & Co, Guess, and Jack and Jill
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